Sponsorship being sought for Shelburne Founders’ Days fireworks display

Fireworks explode over Shelburne Harbour during the 2017 Founders’ Days festival. The fireworks display for this summer’s festival may have to be drastically reduced if more sponsorship isn’t found. - Contributed

New events on tap for summer festival

SHELBURNE, N.S. —

The fireworks display for this summer’s Shelburne Founders’ Days festival may have to be drastically reduced if more sponsorship isn’t found.

That’s the word from the organizing committee, who have been working since early this year on plans for the 36th annual Founders’ Days festival scheduled for July 19 to 21 on Shelburne’s historic Dock Street.

“Over the past number of years an individual community member has generously supported the fireworks however, last year was the final year for this donation,” said Robin Walker, events coordinator for the Town of Shelburne. “We definitely need sponsorship for that. If not, the display will be half of what it was last year.”

Walker said every year around $15,000 is spent on the fireworks’ display. “The Town covers about half the cost so we’re looking for about half of that,” she said, pointing out all monetary donations and sponsorships to Founders’ Days are tax deductible and tax receipts are provided.

While plans for this year’s festival are still being finalized, a number of new events and community partners have been added to the schedule. Welshtown Wagon Rides will be on hand to give festival goers the option of touring the waterfront by horse and buggy. A young entrepreneurs’ market, a storytelling event and a fisherman’s memorial ceremony are the new events confirmed so far.

“We are aiming to maintain the quality of this event including free family activities, inspiring entertainment, annual parade of lights as well as the largest fireworks display outside of HRM,” said Val Kean, community development coordinator for the Municipality of Shelburne.